Wolfgirl

Chapter 3: Luna

My mind is a muddle. I don't know how to feel about the kiss. It was totally unexpected, but nice in a way. But Storm is good too. Last night, before it was Wolfgirl time, I asked my mom about this. All she said was: "Mira, what does your heart tell you?"
And I replied, "I don't know. I've got to think about this."
My mom, her kind green eyes looking into mine, said, "It's ok if you choose to be a wolf forever." And then she left.
I thought this over and over in my head. Cody or Storm, human or wolf?
My phone buzzed and I picked it up and saw a message from Cody.

I'm sorry about that day I kissed you. I shouldn't have done it.

I turned my phone off and didn't reply. I don't know how to reply.
It's a weekend, and weekends are boring in my case. School helps time pass. Spare time filled with nothing does not.
Suddenly, my mom came into my room with a huge grin on her face.
"Happy Birthday Mira!" My mom cheers.
I was first stunned and confused, then suddenly realization floods through me. It's my birthday! June 8th. I totally forgot about it because I was thinking too much about Storm and Cody.
"Do I get a present? Or am I too old enough for presents?" I asked.
"Of course you get a present! We are taking you to the pet store to get a pet you want. Dad and I agree you should learn to be responsible with a pet." Mom says.
I am giddy with joy. A pet, I've wanted one for ages but never asked because I was afraid they would say "no". But then, I don't know what pet to get. A singing bird? A playful puppy? Or a fluffy kitten?
Dad appears behind mom, holding a sleeping Milo.
"So you want to go?" Dad exclaims happily.
"Right now?!" I say.
"Of course right now." Mom laughs.
We clamber onto the car, mom staying home with Milo. Dad drives us to Happy Pets Animal Shelter and we get off the car and walk inside.
Inside Happy Pets, I hear many sounds at once, but all saying the same thing. "Take me home! Take me home!"
My dad and I walk down the cages and cages of puppies and dogs, big and small. I see a Golden Retriever wagging her silky carmel colored tail. Her brown eyes begging. She reminded me of Cody. We pass by a dog who was cowering in the corner, trembling, tail low, ears flat against his head. I feel sorry for that dog and softly, in Wolf speech, I tell him to be brave. Dad gave me a warning glance because if anyone heard, they would call 911 straight away and take me for studying.
I didn't get any dogs because I didn't want to fall in love with the dog when I am a wolf, or have a brother. So I wandered into the cat section. The cats all hissed at me and I quickly decided it wasn't the best choice to get a cat. They probably hate my wolf scent.
"Let's go to the bird section." My dad suggests and I nod and follow him, trying to keep up with his long strides.
At the bird section, there were birds of many colors and sizes. Finches were flying from one perch to another in their cages. Canaries were fiddling with their toys. And parrots were talking nonstop. Well, actually one parrot.
I walk up to the parrot's cage and said, "Hi, my name is Mira."
"Hello Mira." The parrot squawked. "Luna wants a Cracker."
I smile.
"Is your name Luna?" I ask.
"Luna wants a Cracker." The parrot repeats and ruffles her grey feathers.
"You want Luna, young lady?" A pet-store worker asks me.
"Maybe. What type of parrot is she?" I reply, looking at the price.
"An African Grey. She's one years old." The pet-store worker says with a grin. "Very sweet and loyal. My favorite Parrot."
Luna's price was $18.
I consider it for a while. Ten minutes later, I'm at my house with Luna on her perch, happily eating her Millet Seeds.
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The next day, it was time to go to school.
"Goodbye Luna!" I say.
"Goodbye Luna!" She copies and I smile.
Today, on the bus ride, Cody sits next to me, his eyes peering into mine.
"Do you forgive me?" He whispers softly.
"I do." I reply softly. "I-I love you too."
Cody smiles and we hold hands for the rest of the bus ride.
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"Today we will be learning about the curse of the wolves. Otherwise known as WolfCurse." The teacher announces.
I hold in my gasp of surprise.
"Although there is very little proof this curse exists at all, we still must be cautious. People who have this curse turn into a deadly creature at night and human at day." The teacher explains.
A hand raises.
"Sydney?" The teacher calls.
"What dangerous beast exactly...?" Sydney asks, her brown eyes narrowed.
"A Wolf. Terrible things. Silent killers." The teacher replies.
That is not what a wolf is! A wolf is loyal, caring, and respectful.
Mutterings erupted as the word wolf was mentioned.
"So, if you ever see a person with this curse, call 911 instantly and report him or her." The teacher says.
Heads nodded and I nodded with them to prevent any suspicions.
Now hiding my secret will be hard. The whole school is on the lookout for people like me. I feel like a mouse trapped in her burrow with predators that prowl around her burrow. And the predators are fighting to catch the one mouse.
Me.